Religious Pluralism And Truth

Book Details

• Title: Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion

• Author: Thomas Dean (Ed.)

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 1997

• ISBN: 9788170305248

• Pages: 284

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm

• Weight: 430 gm

About the Book

Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion, edited by Thomas Dean, is a pioneering anthology that redefines the philosophy of religion through a pluralistic, global lens. In contrast to the traditional Western-centric approach, this collection brings together leading scholars to explore how diverse religious traditions—across cultures—grapple with questions of truth, ethics, meaning, and dialogue.

This volume features essays originally presented at the Working Group in Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion under the American Academy of Religion. These discussions, spanning the 1970s and 1980s, sparked an emerging discipline that seeks to understand religion not just through doctrinal comparison but through deeper philosophical inquiry that crosses cultural boundaries.

Contributors include major voices in comparative religious thought, such as:

• Ninian Smart

• Raimundo Panikkar

• Harold Coward

• William Wainwright

• William Christian Sr.

• Frederick Streng

Each essay examines critical themes like:

• Religious pluralism and its philosophical implications

• Cross-cultural criteria for truth claims

• The logic and limits of interreligious dialogue

• Mystical experience as a potential bridge across traditions

• Normative ethics in diverse faith systems

Whether addressing methodological challenges or evaluating constructive models of comparative philosophy, the volume offers readers a sophisticated understanding of how religious thought can be evaluated beyond Western paradigms.

Why This Book Matters

With increasing global interconnectedness, religious pluralism is no longer just a topic of academic interest—it's a societal reality. This book responds to a growing need within religious studies to engage with diverse worldviews in a philosophically coherent and respectful way. It is especially valuable for:

• Scholars and students of comparative religion, philosophy, or theology

• Readers interested in the intersection of culture and spiritual thought

• Educators exploring interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural ethics

This volume provides not only an introduction to the cross-cultural philosophy of religion but also a solid foundation for future research and dialogue in this emerging field.